Gardener and Photographer with a love of Roses and a magpie-eye for all things Horticultural

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Welcome to my Horticultural World

A snowdrop. Something to look forward to. Hellebore Anna’s Red for the story picture. A brief and personal note, to explain why I haven’t done very much online these past weeks and months. You haven’t come here to a horticulture focused blog for this – but here goes. I have depression, have been ill for several months and I think it likely I won’t be back to my old self for a while yet. I’m trying not to set any […]

I am saddened to hear that David C.H. Austin passed away on Tuesday this week, aged 92, peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. A great rosarian, pioneer and perfectionist, he has been an inspiration to me pursuing a career in horticulture and my being an enthusiastic and vocal advocate for roses in general and English roses in particular. The course of my life has been undoubtedly changed by knowing this man, not personally but through his English Roses. Any […]

A five minute boat ride from Saint Mark’s and you are dropped off on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. We didn’t know what to expect, and got so much more than we thought. Sublime architecture, trees, architect-designed Papal Chapels of startling composition, a colourful, curvy glass wall and a stunning collection of glass in the museum. Well worth the excursion.

A short train ride from Venice to Padua/Padova (for the natives). Very strange to have to deal with cars and bicycles after a few days entrenched in Venice. A beautiful city, especially under continuing clear blue skies. Absolutely fantastic markets in the centre of town – a foodie’s dream – and at last a nod towards my horticultural heartland. Padua’s Botanic Gardens were laid out in 1545 and remain pretty much unchanged in plan throughout the intervening centuries. Meticulously […]

Last seen in Amsterdam at least 25 years ago, it was good to meet up with the insanity that is Memphis, 80s furniture and fabrics in brilliant and bold colour and pattern. Especially when sitting in, in striking contrast, in such a beautiful building. Perfect timing for us as the exhibition is due to close next week. Ai Weiwei’s Gilded Cage overlooking the Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal.

A modest mansion on the Grand Canal, one floor, with a wide stone terrace fronting the canal, and a courtyard garden behind, and what a collection. Palazzo Cini is nearby, with much to admire in both the building and its contents –

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Teddington Gardener

These pages illustrate my love of plants and gardens, design and creative expression – learning more about horticulture and sharing the knowledge. Here you will find a showcase for my own photography, commentary on plants and places visited, horticultural know-how, a dose of inspiration and a seasonal diary for your garden.